India to strengthen anti-dumping device to protect domestic industry

The assurance was given today by Minister of State for Industry Ashwani Kumar a day after government re-imposed five per cent ad valorem import duty on pig iron and some steel products in an apparant bid to insulate domestic steel companies against imports and rising inventories.

He assured representatives of various commerce and industry associations that government will ensure that domestic industry was not unfairly prejudiced through dumping of foreign products.

He directed officials to respond within 15 days to various suggestions made by them to enable government finalise required measures.

Government was fully committed to proactively assist small and medium enterprises and other industry and take suitable initiatives to mitigate and minimise negative impact of global meltdown on Indian economy, the minister said.

Mr Ashwani Kumar said "foremost priority of the UPA Government was to create confidence about the Indian economy and to ensure sustained employment generation in the country".